I am honored to be an Ambassador for the 2026 Walks for Cancer! My cancer journey began in June 2023 when I detected a lump in my left breast. I tried to convince myself that it was a bug bite, but my conscience would not let me rest. The next day I called to schedule a mammogram. At the appointment, my unspoken fears were beginning to be confirmed. I received the biopsy results on MyChart at work. I was thrown into uncharted territory and a mild state of panic. Thankfully this was short lived as it seemed that the contacts from the Pro Health Cancer Center started almost immediately. From the connection with my Nurse Navigator, Gretchen, to the selection of oncologist (the amazing Dr. Raza), my surgeon (the incredible Dr. Chris Davies) and radiation oncologist (the incomparable Dr. Bambi Weyers) a Treatment Plan was forming that gave me the focus that I needed to move day-to-day. Next was communication with family and friends, including my dear dad who lived with me (for whom I was his sole caretaker). I experienced so much support and caring that I was able to focus on the steps I needed to take to start treatment. 

My diagnosis was Triple Positive, Her-2 positive invasive ductal carcinoma. I started an initial cycle of 6 chemotherapy rounds. I was blessed to have an incredible team of infusion nurses who were not only highly skilled, but also compassionate and fun. Big shout out to Allie Bernicky for being the angel who was with me for those difficult sessions. I decided to try the Cold Cap treatment in an attempt to retain some of my hair (which was incredibly successful in that I probably only lost about 25% of my hair). My dad was hospitalized before my 6th treatment. Unfortunately, I also spent a week in the hospital shortly after my 6th chemo treatment for pneumonia. Throughout this entire time, I had daily contact with my cancer treatment team. 

I had a partial mastectomy approximately a week after the discharge from the pneumonia treatment and experienced some post surgical complications. When I was released from the hospital, I worked to regain my strength while directing care for my dad in the hospital, and eventual nursing home placement. My sweet dad passed away on December 26th. 

I started 20 radiation treatments on January 2nd. Dr. Weyers and her team were amazing. Every time I went for treatment I marveled at the technology and the giant brains (and finances) that went into the creation of the technology.

Following the removal of the tumor, the Treatment Plan was altered because it was a Grade 3 (not good) tumor and not a Grade 1 as had originally been suspected. The appointment with Dr. Raza when he told me my original 12 month, 14 chemo sessions was now being extended to 14 months and 20 sessions was not what I had hoped to hear. Chemotherapy restarted in January so I had many, many visits to the Cancer Center during that time. It may sound crazy, but I did not dread those visits. From the first step into the building and the warm welcome of the receptionist and other staff walking through the lobby made me feel comfortable. I experienced some symptoms that required additional consultations. I was experiencing headaches that would not respond to medication. This led me to have a brain MRA where a brain aneurysm was discovered. Another diagnosis I never expected to hear. Thankfully, this is not life threatening and is being monitored by continued scans. The relief I did finally experience from the headaches came from the skilled hands (and brains) of the amazing physical therapists at the Cancer Center (shout out to Lauren and Jamie)!

Fast forward to October 2024... all treatment was completed and no traces of cancer remain. I am beyond grateful and thankful for the amazing Care I received at ProHealth Cancer Center. The skill of the medical professionals as well as their compassion and caring helped bring me through one of the most difficult challenges in my life. I'm also mindful of the fact that I was able to "stand on the shoulders "of all those who came before me. Some of them had successful treatment outcomes, and others did not. It is because of them that I am here today